Tomás Ybarra-Frausto taught in the Romance Languages and Literature Department at the University of Washington from 1970 until 1976. He was an instructor of Chicano culture and history and was actively involved in proposals for a Chicano Studies Program at the University. He was also interested in the activities of Chicano artists, theater and dance groups, student movements, farm workers associations, educational associations, and self-help organizations in Washington, Idaho and, Oregon.